Cleaning Condensate Lines

Maintaining and Cleaning Air Conditioner Condensate LinesCondensation is the natural result of running your air conditioner. Moisture is drawn from the air in your home and accumulates on the evaporator coil. From there, it drips into the evaporator drain pan where piping takes it out of your home by gravity. You can usually see this pipe coming out of your house near the condensing unit. When your A/C is running, you should always see water dripping from the end of this pipe. If you do not see water dripping, you may have a clogged condensate drain line. A clogged drain line can cause water damage to the inside of your home, promote the growth of mold and mildew and cause damage to your A/C unit. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent a clogged drain line. If your drain line does become clogged, there are also steps that will often fix this easily.

The most important action you can take toward having a trouble free air conditioner condensate drain line is to develop a routine schedule of preventive maintenance.

The condensate drain pan and lines create an ideal environment for algae to thrive. The accumulation of algae is what clogs most drains. Algaecides that are made specifically for A/C use are available in tablet and liquid form. Liquid form is best, as the tablets have been known to cause clogs by making their way into the drainpipe before they fully dissolve. Algaecides can be found at most hardware stores and at any HVAC supply business. Whether you use tablet or liquid, these should be periodically added to the drain pan to control algae growth. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's suggestions on the label. Never use bleach or vinegar on your A/C unit. These solutions can cause deterioration to the aluminum fins on your coils as well as your drainpipe.

-Dirt, dust, insects and other debris can also clog the drain.

-Keep your A/C filter clean or replace it at least once a month.

-Vacuum any debris from around the evaporator and remove any debris from inside the condensate pan.

-Make sure that the drain is not blocked where it connects to the pan.

-Once every month or two during seasonal use, mix a little dish soap into two to four quarts of warm water and pour it slowly into the pan. Have a helper watch the drainpipe from outside to ensure the solution is draining properly. This will help in keeping the pan and drain line clean.

At least once a year, the condensate drain line should be thoroughly cleaned by attaching a wet-vac to the outside drain line pipe. Make the connection airtight and leave the vacuum running for two or three minutes. You can seal the connection with tape or by holding a wet cloth tightly around the vacuum hose and drainpipe.

If you cannot get an air-tight seal, measure the diameter of your outside drain pipe; these are usually 1/2- or 3/4-inch. Take your wet-vac hose with you to a hardware or plumbing supply store and find the correct fittings to make the airtight connection.

Another method you can use is to blow the drainpipe clean by using compressed air at the evaporator pan side to push any potential blockage out the pipe. Here again, an airtight connection is needed. If you cannot connect the compressed air hose at the pan for an airtight connection, you will need to cut the pipe, blow out the line and then reconnect the drain line with the proper coupling. If you have a complete blockage resulting in a clogged drain line, the wet-vac method may be the best alternative to use.

Keeping an eye on your evaporator unit can eliminate problems and save you time and money. After all, no one wants to swelter in the summer heat without a properly functioning air conditioner.

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